MXPA99006735A - Stacking and nesting containers - Google Patents

Abstract

A container (110) is formed to nest with a like container when the wo containers are in a first relative orientation. The containers may stack when turned through 180°relative to each other. Stacking bars (112) can be stowed in the floor of the container, or raised to allow stacking at an intermediate height. According to the invention, hooks (152) are formed integally with the stacking means (112) and the container is formed so that when a container is nested into a container below, the hooks (152) of the upper container are released by the nesting action, allowing the stacking means (112) to hinge down to their stowed position.

Description

CONTAINERS THAT CAN BE STACKED AND ANCED The present invention relates to containers that are designed to allow like containers to be stacked or nested with each other. A conventional type of container, an example of which is described in British Patent GB 1270340, may be stacked or nested, and is referred to herein as a container for stacking / nesting. This type of design allows a container to be nested in a lower container, when it is in a relative first orientation, but is stacked in the lower container when the relative orientation changes, usually 180 ° on the vertical axis. In some designs, containers are stacked when all are identically aligned and nested when aligning alternately. In other designs, the containers are nested when they are aligned in an identical manner and stacked when they align alternately. German Patent Application NL 6 603 695 discloses a nesting container with stacking members which give rise to stacking rather than nesting when they are extended. The invention provides a container formed to allow equal containers to be nested therein, and comprises the stacking means having a lashing position in which nesting is performed as mentioned above, and a stacking position in which the stacking means interferes with the entry of one container into another for nesting, thereby making equal containers stacked, the container further comprises the operable releasable latching means for retaining the stacking means in the position of stacking, and has an operable releasable means for engaging and releasing the engaging means of a similar container when the similar container is inserted into the container from above for nesting, characterized in that the release means is operable to release the means of clutch engagement with it. Preferably, the release means consists of a surface of the container. The engagement means may consist of a clutch hook member with an engagable portion, the release means serving to move the clutch hook member with the engageable portion. The hook member can be formed on the stacking means, and the snap-on portion can be formed on or by a wall of the container. - The hook member can project through the wall of the container when the latching means engages, and can be detachable by clutch out of the container. The hook member may be resilient to release, and may be integrated with the stacking means. The stacking means preferably is within the base of the container when it is in its crimped position. The stacking means is preferably mounted to rotate from its engaged position to its stacking position, such as by hinge or pivot. This can be mounted to the base or, where the container has a base and straight walls, it can be mounted to the bottom of a wall. Preferably there are recesses in the base to receive the stacking means in the lashed position. The recesses may be deep enough to receive the stacking means without the stacking means protruding from the upper surface of the base when it is in the lashed position. There may be retaining means for retaining the stacking means in either or both of the stacking and lashing positions. The stacking means can support the base of a similar container from below when in the stacking position. Preferably the handle means are provided to facilitate the movement of the stacking means between their crimped and stacked positions. Preferably, the container is formed to allow a second similar container to be nested therein when the two containers are in a first relative orientation, and for causing a second such container to be stacked therein when the two containers are in a second relative orientation. Preferably, the stacking means interferes with the nesting means when the containers are in the first relative orientation. Preferably, the stacking height given by the stacking means is different from the stacking height available when it is in the second relative orientation, and is preferably intermediate to the nesting height and stacking height available when it is in the stacking position. second relative orientation. The stacking means can incorporate formations that correspond to the formations that are clutched to give rise to the stacking when the containers are in the second relative orientation. Preferably, the first and second relative orientations are separated by 180 ° about a vertical axis. The container may contain other stacking formations that are clutched to a second similar container to allow the container to be stacked when it is in the second relative orientation. One embodiment of the present invention will now be described in greater detail, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view, partially in outline of a container of the type to which the invention relates; Figure 2 is an elevation of an end wall of the container of Figure 1, from inside the container and divided in the central plane to indicate the arrangement when the stacking means is in its stacking position (to the right) and the nesting position (to the left); Figure 3 is a view corresponding to Figure 2 and showing the other end wall; Figure 4 is a view corresponding to Figure 1, of a container according to the present invention; and Figures 5 and 6 are elevations of one and the other end walls of the container of Figure 4. For reasons of clarity, the container of Figures 1 to 3 will first be fully described, after which then the additional features of the invention will be described. the invention. With reference to Figures 1 to 3 of the drawings, a container 10 is formed in a manner that will be described in more detail below, to allow a second similar container to be nested therein when the two containers are in a first relative orientation a second similar container can be stacked therein when the two containers are in a relative second orientation. The stacking means generally shown at 12 are provided and have a truncated position (as shown in Figure 1) in which stacking or nesting is possible as already mentioned, and a stacking position will be described with reference to the Figures 2 and 3, in which the stacking means interferes with the nesting to cause the containers to stack when they are in the first relative orientation. In more detail, the container 10 is a stacking / nesting container which nests when the containers are aligned in the same manner, and is stacked when the containers are alternately inverted by 180 ° rotation about the vertical. The container 10 has a base 14, two side walls 16 and two end walls 18. In this example, the walls 16 are relatively large and the walls 18 are relatively short, but this relationship could be reversed or the walls could be of equal length . The walls are perforated in different forms for various reasons. An edge 20 extends around the entire periphery in the upper part of the walls 16. The walls 16, 18 are inclined inwards and the plane of the base 14 is smaller than the plane of the inner edge of the edge 20. they provide different notch or notch formations 22 around the mouth of the container, just inside the edge 20. In an end wall 18A there are two notches 22 spaced from the ends of the wall 18A. In the other end wall 18B, two notches 22 are at the corners of the container, at the ends of the wall 18B. Three notches 22 are provided along each side wall 16 but not symmetric about the center. One is combined with a notch in the end wall 18B and the other two are spaced along the wall 16 but there is not a notch 22 in the corner joining the end wall 18A. From Figure 1 it is evident that the distribution of the notches 22 has asymmetry when viewed from above. Ten 24 feet are arranged around the lower edge of walls 16, 18 on the outer faces. Each foot 24 corresponds to a notch 22 (so that two combined feet correspond to the combined notches at the junction of the side walls 16 and the end wall 18B). Each foot 24 is structurally connected to the corresponding notch 22 by an inclined post 26 that allows the weight supported by a notch 22 to pass through the corresponding foot 24. It can be seen that the posts 26 on the end walls 18 have small surfaces that face upwards 27 adjacent the notches 22 and just inside the edge 20. The distribution of the feet 24 is the same as the distribution of the notches 22 except that the distribution has been rotated 180 ° about a vertical axis. That is to say, if the edge 20 was intentionally rotated 180 ° about a vertical axis relative to the base 14, there would be a foot 24 directly below each notch 22. Accordingly, if a first container is rotated 180 ° about the vertical axis, with relation to a second container / the two containers can then be stacked by lowering the feet 24 of the upper container to engage with the notches 22 of the lower container. It is possible to form a complete and safe stack by alternating the orientation of the containers so that each one is stacked in this way. The weight of the stack is then transferred down the stack by series of zigzag posts 26. The details of the manner in which the feet 24 and the notches 22 are coupled, and consequently of their design, are within the abilities of the expert readers and these aspects do not form part of the present invention. The design may vary according to the expected loads, materials and manufacturing techniques, and so on. The asymmetry just described also allows identical vessels to nest. When the containers have the same orientation with each other, the feet 24 and the posts 26 of the upper container can be lowered into the lower container because these will be free of the notches 22. As the container is further lowered, the state is reached completely nested in which the edges 20 of the upper and lower containers are immediately on top of each other (and one can rest on the other), the posts 26 of the two containers are close to each other (and at an inclination) and feet 24 are immediately on top of each other (and can rest one on top of the other). Finally, the bases 14 of the two containers will be together. This is the normal compact state useful when empty containers are transported. The nesting and stacking arrangements described above provide compact nesting for storage and transport back, or stacking when the containers are full. The stacking means 12 allows the containers to be stacked at an intermediate height when they are only partially full, as will now be described. Each stacking means 12 has two end formations 30 connected by a bar 32 which serves as a handle to facilitate handling . The end formations 30 are in the region of the corners of the container 10. The stacking means 12 are hinged or pivoted to the base of the container or the lower edge of the end walls 18 to allow them to return from a stowed position as shown. the left of Figures 2 and 3, to a stacking position shown to the right of these figures. (It should be appreciated that the left and right sides of each of Figures 2 and 3 would be a mirror image when it is in the stowed position or in the stacking position, so that the stacked and stacked positions can, in a manner convenient to be shown in the same drawing, dividing same in the middle of the vertical plane along the end wall 18). The base 14 has a recess in channel 34 complementary to the contour of the stacking means 12 to allow the stacking means 12 to be in the channel 34 when in the stowed position. If desired, the channel 34 may be sufficiently deep for the upper surface of the stacking means 12, when stowed, to be level with or below the level of the upper surface of the base 14. If necessary, a quick-action, simple snap-on catch for retaining the stacking means 12 in the stowed position. Each end formation 30 has a generally arc configuration which, in this example, consists of two straight legs 36 and a cross bar 38. the bar 38 extends between the formations 30 to allow both formations 30 to be raised together, as can be raising the bar 32. The complete stacking means 12 can be a single fabricated component, for example, by injection molding. The stacking means 12 shown in Figure 2 differs from that shown in Figure 3 solely by the location of the projections 40. In Figure 2, adjacent the end wall 18A, the projections 40 extend above the bar cross 38 (when raised) on top of the outermost straight legs 36. In the stacking means 12 shown in Figure 3, adjacent the end wall 18B, the projections 40 extend over the crossbar 38 (when it rises) on the top of the most internal supports 36. Many other forming designs 30 can be used, including round arches or non-perforated plate members, etc. as those shown in Figures 4, 5 and 6. It can also be seen in Figures 2 and 3 that the separation of the projections 40 from the center line corresponds to the separation of the feet 24 in the end walls 18, also from the center line. Accordingly, if a second container is lowered into a lower container, both containers having the same orientation, but with the stacking means 12 of the lower container in the raised, stacking position, the upper container will not be able to move down to the full condition. nested as already described. In contrast, the stacking means 12 will interfere because the feet 24 will contact the projections 40 will prevent further downward movement. The weight of the upper container will then be carried by the stacking means 12 and the upper container will be supported in an intermediate stacked position. This stacked, intermediate position is halfway between the fully nested state described above and the stacking position available when the containers are rotated 180 ° from one in relation to the other. On the contrary, if the stacking means are below, and are in the recess 34, the nesting is not obstructed. The details of the manner in which the projections 40 engage the feet 24 and whether the notches are provided in the projections or there is a simple splice of the base 14 from below, or if some other arrangement is used can be varied widely, in special according to the nature of the notches 22 and the feet 24 that are used. It can be seen that the projections 40 mimic the notches 22 when the stacking means are raised, and that the projections 40 then occupy positions directly below the position that the notches 22 would occupy if the lower container was rotated 180 °. Returning to the remaining drawings, a perspective view of a container very similar to the container described above is shown in Figure 4, but with an additional feature that relates to the stacking means. This container and the container of Figures 1 to 3 are so similar that, where appropriate, the same reference numerals are used to indicate corresponding characteristics, with the prefix "l" when used in relation to Figures 4 to 6. Thus, in relation to any of the features shown in Figures 4 to 6, but not specifically described below, reference may be made to the above description with respect to the corresponding feature The stacking means 112 has generally rectangular end formations. 130 which are not perforated The recesses 134 in the base 114 allow the stacking means 112 to be within the base A zone of the base between the recesses 134 is slightly recessed to accommodate the crossbar 132, which has, in turn, a relatively thin and smooth shape to allow it to remain _ against the base without interfering with the contents of the container. Each formation 130 carries a hook element 152 which, when the formations 130 are raised (as in Figures 5 and 6) project through the end walls 118 to engage the lower part 154 of the wall). The hooks 152 are formed integral with the stacking means 112, the total formed of material such as plastic material being, consequently, upon hooking on the wall 154, the hooks 152 form a latching means that can be released by resilient bending or to provide a quick action, or by using some loosening in the Hinge arrangement to allow the hooks to be raised on or off the wall. When engaged, the hooks retain the stacking means 112 in the stacking position shown in Figures 5 and 6. If a group of containers all have their stacking means 112 raised, it is possible to form stacks with adjacent containers in their position. higher stacking position (upper) or the intermediate stacking position provided by the stacking means 112. In some applications it may be convenient to leave the stacking means 112 raised and in position by the latching means 152, 154. If the containers they are to be nested, the stacking means 112 of a first container can be manually lowered by releasing the hooks 152 from the walls 154, allowing the stacking means 112 to bend downwards. In this sense, these can be spring-loaded. Another container can then be nested by lowering it into the first container, both containers having the same orientation, as described. However, it will not be necessary to manually lower the stacking means 112 of the lower container, as a result of the positioning of the hooks 152. Each hook 152 is directly below a surface 127 in the adjacent post 126. As a result, as it is the upper container lowers to the lower container, the hooks 152 of the upper container will come closer and will meet the surfaces 127 of the lower container. Another downward movement (by manual downward pressure in the upper container) will then press the hooks 152 against the surfaces 127, causing the hooks 152 to move and pass the walls 154, thereby releasing the engaging means and allowing the stacking means 112 of the upper container falls or is thrown downward to its lower position. In this way, it is only necessary to intervene with the container below the nested containers - all other containers will then automatically lower their stacking means 112 to allow another container to be nested from above. If the hooks are resilient to provide a fast action, the engagement with the surface 127 will flex the hooks to release them from the walls 154. Although described in relation to the container providing a nesting, stacking and intermediate stacking position, the hooking means Just described can be used in relation to other arrangements of containers, such as a container that provides two positions for an element, such as a bale arm, giving a nesting position and a single stacking position. If the bale arm (or other element) was normally caught in one or the other position by the latching means, the coupling with another container (up or down) could be used to release a latching means in appropriate circumstances, and allow or force to the bale element so that it moves to an alternate position. It is considered that the containers described above can be easily manufactured by injection molding from a plastic material, but it is possible to use other arrangements and materials. Multiple modifications and variations to the described container can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the stacking means generally of the form described can be incorporated into a container having notches and feet distributed to allow stacking when the containers have similar orientation, and nesting when rotated 180 °, or some other amount. The notches and feet can be replaced by many other alternatives, as they can be supports and holes.

Although the attempt was made in the above specification to draw attention to those features of the invention considered to be of specific importance, it should be understood that the applicant claims protection with respect to any patentable characteristic or combination of features hitherto referred to and / or shown in the drawings have been made or not specific emphasis on them.

Claims (22)

1. A container (110) formed to allow such a container to be nested therein, and consists of the stacking means (112) with a stowed position in which nesting is allowed as already mentioned, and a stacking position in wherein the stacking means interferes with the entry of one container into another for nesting, thereby making the same containers stacked, the container further contains the releasable latching means (152, 154) operable to retain the medium of stacking in the stacking position, and with a release means (127) operable to release the latching means from a similar container when the similar container is inserted into the container from above for nesting, is characterized in that the release means it is operable to release the coupling means by coupling therewith.

2. The container (110) according to claim 1, characterized in that the release means (127) consists of a surface of the container.

The container (110) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the engagement means (152, 154) consists of a hook member (152) engageable with a engageable portion (154), the release means ( 127) serves to move the coupling hook member with the engageable portion.

The container (110) according to claim 3, characterized in that the hook member (152) is formed in the stacking means (112), and the engageable portion (154) is formed in or by a container wall. (118).

The container (110) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the hook member (152) projects through the wall of the container (118) when the latching means (152, 154) is engaged, to be detachable by coupling out of the container.

6. The container (110) according to any of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the hook member (152) is resilient for release.

The container (110) according to any of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the hook member (152) is integrated with the stacking means (112).

The container (110) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stacking means (112) is inside the base (114) of the container when it is in its stowed position.

9. The container (110) according to any of the preceding claims, is characterized in that the stacking means (112) is mounted to rotate from its stowed position to its stacking position.

The container (110) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stacking means (112) is mounted to the base (114).

11. The container (110) according to claim 10, characterized by containing recesses (134) in the base (114) to receive the stacking means (112) when it is in the stowed position.

12. The container (110) according to claim 11, characterized in that the recesses (134) are sufficiently deep to receive the stacking means (112) without the stacking means coming out on the upper surface of the base (114). ) when it is in the stowed position.

13. The container (110) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by containing the retaining means for retaining the stacking means (112) in either or both of the stacking and stowed positions.

The container (110) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stacking means supports the base (114) of a similar container from below when it is in the stacking position.

15. The container (110) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by comprising the handle means (134) to facilitate the movement of the stacking means (112) between their stacked and stacked positions.

16. The container (110) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that a second similar container can be nested therein when the two containers are in a relative first orientation, and because a second similar container is stacked therein when the two containers are in a second relative orientation.

The container (110) according to claim 16, characterized in that the stacking means (112) interfere with the nesting when the containers are in the first relative orientation.

18. The container (110) according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that the stacking height, given by the stacking means (112) is different from the stacking height available when it is in the second relative orientation.

19. The container (110) according to claim 18, characterized in that the stacking height of the stacking means (112) is intermediate to the nesting height and the stacking height available when it is in the second relative orientation. .

20. The container (110) according to any of claims 16 to 19, characterized in that the stacking means (112) incorporate formations corresponding to the formations (122) that engage to cause stacking when the containers are in the second orientation relative.

21. The container (110) according to any of claims 16 to 20, characterized in that the first and second relative orientations are 180 ° apart about a vertical axis.

22. The container (110) according to any of claims 16 to 21 further comprises stacking formations (122) which engage a second similar container to allow the container to be stacked when it is in the second relative orientation.